Zesty Lemon Rosemary Chicken Recipe for Flavorful Dinners

This succulent lemon rosemary chicken recipe promises a burst of Mediterranean flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender chicken breasts marinate in a zesty blend of fragrant herbs and bright citrus notes.

The combination of rosemary earthy aroma and lemon tangy punch creates a truly memorable dish.

Fresh ingredients elevate this simple recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Herbs plucked straight from the garden bring an authentic touch to every bite.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious balance of savory and bright flavors that will transport you to a sun-drenched coastal kitchen.

Let this delightful meal become the star of your next dinner gathering.

Lemon Rosemary Chicken: Standout Features

• Whip Up Quickly: This recipe offers a speedy solution for a delicious dinner that comes together in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy home cooks craving a restaurant-quality meal.
• Elevate Ordinary Chicken: Transform basic chicken breasts into a gourmet dish with minimal ingredients, creating a sophisticated flavor profile that impresses family and guests alike.
• Maximize One-Pan Convenience: Save on cleanup time by using a single skillet for cooking chicken and creating a rich, tangy sauce, making this recipe a smart choice for weeknight meals.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows for variations like swapping wine for additional broth or adjusting herbs to suit personal taste preferences and pantry availability.

Ingredients List for Lemon Rosemary Chicken

• Chicken: A tender protein that serves as the star of this flavorful dish.
• Olive Oil: Provides a rich base for cooking and enhancing the chicken's flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the chicken.

• Garlic, Rosemary: Fresh herbs and aromatics that add depth and fragrance to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, citrusy tang that complements the savory chicken.

• Broth, Wine: Liquid ingredients that create a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.
• Butter: Adds a smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor to the final sauce.

• Fresh Herbs, Lemon Wedges: Provide a fresh finishing touch and additional visual appeal to the dish.

Cooking Directions for Lemon Rosemary Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Sizzling

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Drizzle olive oil to coat the pan’s surface.

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper, ensuring an even coating.

Gently place chicken into the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown color develops and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if the pan seems dry.

Toss in minced garlic and fresh rosemary sprigs.

Sauté for 30-60 seconds, allowing the herbs to release their incredible fragrance and infuse the oil with rich, savory notes.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Sauce Base

• Chicken broth
• White wine

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the delicious browned bits stuck to the pan’s bottom.

Let the liquid simmer and reduce, creating a concentrated sauce that thickens and intensifies in flavor, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Elevate Sauce with Brightness

Introduce bright flavors by stirring in fresh lemon juice and a pat of butter.

Continue simmering until the butter melts completely, creating a silky, vibrant sauce.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Bring the Dish Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, gently nestling each piece into the aromatic sauce.

Spoon the sauce generously over the chicken.

For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with fresh herb sprigs and lemon wedges if desired.

Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible blend of flavors.

Tips for Juicy Lemon Herb Chicken

• Choose vibrant, green rosemary sprigs with strong aromatic scent for maximum flavor infusion into the chicken sauce.
• Use meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring juicy and perfectly cooked chicken without overcooking.
• Simmer sauce slowly to allow natural reduction, creating rich and concentrated flavor without making it too thick or watery.
• Replace wine with additional chicken broth or white grape juice for alcohol-free version that maintains similar depth of flavor.
• Chop rosemary finely to release essential oils and distribute flavor evenly throughout the sauce, enhancing overall taste profile.

Fresh Variations for Rosemary Chicken

• Herb-Crusted Chicken Variation: Replace rosemary with a blend of thyme, parsley, and sage for a more complex herb profile that adds depth to the dish.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap chicken with fish like sea bass or halibut, adding capers and olives to create a Mediterranean-inspired sauce with similar cooking technique.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Use bone broth instead of wine, increase butter quantity, and serve with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables to maintain low-carbohydrate requirements.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil, and use ghee for richness while keeping the recipe dairy-free and maintaining the original flavor structure.

Serving Lemon Chicken with Classic Sides

• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Arrange chicken on a pristine white platter, drizzle sauce elegantly, and scatter fresh rosemary sprigs for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
• Mediterranean Feast Companion: Serve alongside roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to complement the lemon and herb flavors.
• Rustic Family-Style Meal: Place skillet directly on the table with warm crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce, creating an interactive and cozy dining experience.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Match this chicken with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the bright lemon and herbal notes.

How to Store Lemon Rosemary Chicken

• Store cooked lemon rosemary chicken in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the chicken completely with sauce to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual chicken portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain moisture. Add a splash of chicken broth or remaining sauce to prevent the meat from becoming tough or dry. Stir gently and heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Keep leftover sauce separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

FAQs

• Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried rosemary. Use about 1/3 of the amount of fresh rosemary called for in the recipe. Crush the dried herbs between your fingers to release more flavor before adding to the pan.

• What type of wine works best for this sauce?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is ideal. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can replace the wine with additional chicken broth.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should look golden brown on the outside and have no pink meat inside.

Lemon Rosemary Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon rosemary chicken brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate, infusing tender poultry with zesty herb notes. Herbal aromas and citrus brightness promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Chicken & Seasonings

• 4 thin-sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 10–12 cranks fresh-ground black pepper

Sauce Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil, plus extra if needed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons (12 grams) fresh rosemary, chopped
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) dry white wine (or extra broth)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter

Garnishes

• Fresh rosemary
• Fresh Italian parsley
• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
2. Season chicken thoroughly with salt and pepper, then sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate, reserving skillet for sauce preparation.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add additional oil if pan appears dry.
5. Quickly sauté minced garlic and finely chopped rosemary for 30-45 seconds, releasing their aromatic oils without burning.
6. Pour chicken broth and white wine into the skillet, vigorously scraping browned chicken bits from pan bottom to incorporate deep flavor.
7. Simmer sauce for 4-5 minutes, allowing liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors.
8. Incorporate fresh lemon juice and cold butter, whisking continuously until sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
9. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
10. Gently return chicken to skillet, coating each piece with the fragrant sauce.
11. Plate chicken and spoon remaining sauce over the top.
12. Optional: Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon wedges for added visual appeal and brightness.

Notes

• Prevent dryness by not overcooking chicken, using a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F without becoming tough.
• Swap wine with chicken broth or apple juice for an alcohol-free version that maintains similar depth of flavor.
• Enhance herb intensity by using fresh rosemary instead of dried, which provides a more vibrant and aromatic profile.
• Create a low-carb option by serving chicken with roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice instead of traditional sides.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 33g
• Cholesterol: 85mg